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NZ monitoring ongoing arrests of Fiji politicians

By
Sisi Latu
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This story appears on RNZ.co.nz. RNZ reports are republished by Kaniva Tonga in partnership.

New Zealand has reiterated its concern with ongoing police questioning of opposition politicians in Fiji.

Several opposition MPs as well as two former prime ministers have been taken in by police this week.

Lynda Tabuya.

Lynda Tabuya is one of the Fiji opposition MPs taken in by police for questioning in recent days Photo: Supplied

Police said the opposition members were being questioned under the Public Order Act in relation to their criticism of a government land bill.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced New Zealand’s concern following the first spate of arrests on Sunday

Following ongoing detention of political figures in the past two days, a ministry spokesperson says the government is continuing to monitor the situation in Fiji.

They said the New Zealand High Commission in Suva is making inquiries with Fiji officials to ascertain further details.

No caption.

Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

NZ stands ready to help Fiji address its Covid-19 crisis

New Zealand’s government says it’s in ongoing dialogue with Fiji regarding how it can further support its worsening health crisis.

Fiji reported 1301 new cases of Covid-19 in its latest daily update, while nine more people have died, taking the death toll to 227.

Fiji’s government says it wants to exhaust all domestic options before having more health workers flown in from overseas.

Small contingents of Australian and New Zealand medical workers have been in Fiji since June.

On 17 July a second group of New Zealanders was deployed to Fiji, joining a Medical Assistance Team alongside Australian partners.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group includes an anaesthetist, a public health physician, a registered nurse, a logistician, and a liaison officer.

“The team is working with the Fiji Health Ministry to support operations at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji’s primary Covid-19 treatment hospital.

“The public health physician has also been providing advisory support to Fiji’s Covid-19 incident management team,” the spokesperson said.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr James Fong

Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr James Fong Photo: Fiji govt

Fiji’s Health Secretary Dr James Fong said the New Zealand medical personnel were looking at how Fiji can utilise all its resources effectively.

“They are looking at how we can ensure that we have utilised efficiently all our resources, and then we bring in extra help,” Dr Fong explained.

“We’ve got that process going right now. We are getting into that space we we are being able to deal more effectively with what we’ve got.”

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the government stands ready to respond to further requests for assistance.

Meanwhile, Fong has denied a claim in an Australian media report that Fiji health care workers symptomatic with Covid-19 have been told they must continue working to ensure health clinics are operating at full capacity.

“At no point did we say that a positive person, especially a positive person who is symptomatic, should continue working.

“We just escalated our PPE programme, just like they do in every other country that’s in mitigation phase, to ensure that any contact with a positive person is a low risk contact.”

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Ayesha Verrall Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Decision to allow medevac of ill patient from Fiji to NZ was ‘operational’

A New Zealand government minister has described the decision to allow a critically ill UN worker to be medevacced from Fiji as an operational rather than political decision.

The Covid-19-infected patient was flown to Auckland for treatment last night, despite the Ministry of Health’s earlier decision to decline the transfer.

Regarding the change, the acting Covid-19 Response Minister, Ayesha Verrall, said it was an operational decision between clinicians and the ministry.

“So, no I didn’t have visibility of that, and I’m not aware of the specifics,” she told reporters at a mass vaccination event in Auckland this morning.

“But just from my experience as a doctor, these are complex issues, transferring critically ill people between countries, and it’s normal to have a bit of back and forth about those things.”

The request was initially declined for “capacity reasons” but the ministry said the situation was changeable at Auckland intensive care units.

Queen Nanasipau‘u Tuku‘aho’s mother dies aged 90

By
Kaniva Staff
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Baroness Tuputupu-‘O-Pulotu Vaea died at the age of 90.

Baroness Tuputupu-‘O-Pulotu Vaea

Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho’s  mother celebrated her 90th birthday last year on October 14 at her residence, Tali-Ki- Ha‘apai at Houma, Tongatapu.

Baroness Tuputupu married late former Prime Minister of Tonga Honourable Baron Vaea of Houma.

They had seven children and one adopted daughter.

Missing Ha‘apai fishermen: Families clinging to hope men still alive, brother says

By
Kaniva Staff
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The families of Ha’apai fishermen, missing for a month at seas in Ha’apai, are still clinging to hope that they may be found alive.

Rev Kava Mone (L), Michael Mahe

A prayer vigil was held for the two fishermen last week.

The event marked the 30th day after the duo have disappeared on June 23.

A major search for Rev Kava Mone and Michael Mahe had been called off previously.

Mone and Mahe remain missing after they went fishing in a small aluminum boat.

Searches which included an aircraft scouring the northern islands did not find anything.

Viliami Mahe, the eldest brother of Michael, told Kaniva News, they held the family gathering believing the duo are still alive and are in one of the islands nearby.

“We prayed for them,” he said in Tongan.

Civil Defence assessing if Alaska earthquake poses tsunami threat to NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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One News / TVNZ

Civil Defence in New Zealand is assessing if an earthquake in Alaska poses a tsunami threat to Aotearoa.

1 NEWS
The quake (light blue dot) struck 91 km off Perryville in Alaska. Source: 1 NEWS

The magnititude 8.2 quake struck off the coast of Alaska at around 6.15pm (NZ time).

“If a tsunami has been generated it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least 12 hours,” Civil Defence wrote on Twitter.

 

“This National Advisory has been issued following a rapid assessment of preliminary earthquake information. The situation may change as more information becomes available,” the National Emergency Management Service said.

1 NEWS

More to come.

Vava‘u cocaine surprise: More than $2 million worth of mysterious cocaine washed ashore 

By
Kaniva Staff
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Around TOP$2.3 million worth of cocaine has washed up on Vava’u beaches.

Packages of cocaine washed ashore in Vava’u. Photo/Supplied

Police have been out at Hōleva and Ha’alaufuli this week, sweeping the area for more drugs.

Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Tāufa said local residents found the packages and handed them over to Police.

“Police confirms the packages had been tested positive for cocaine and is working closely with the Tonga Navy, utilising the VOEA Ngahau Koula to scour areas of interest in the Vava’u waters”, Tāufa said.

“There is possibility that more packages may turn up on the beach and we ask any members of the public to immediately contact Police if they found or knew anyone to have found further drugs.”

Tāufa strongly reminded that anyone who has in their possession any of the washed- up drugs must hand them over to Police.

Failing to do so is a serious offence, he said.

Contact Police on phone 740-1660 or 922 and share any information you may have on this matter or any drug related offence.

Ned Cook death: Man jailed for eight years for manslaughter

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man from Ma’ufanga has been sentenced to eight years in prison for attacking and killing a 67-year-old grandfather in the town.

Ned Cook, a drug rehabilitation expert from the Salvation Army . Photo/TBC

Siosaia Tu Maile, 20, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter of Tuipulotu Afiulo Cook, also known as Ned Cook.

Mr Cook died in hospital following an assault in Vuna Road, in May 2020, Tongatapu Supreme Court heard.

The judge ordered that the final two years of the sentence be suspended for two years on conditions.

Sentencing, Lord Chief Justice Whitten said Maile was  given credit for the period he spent remanded in custody between 17 May 2020 and 19 January 2021.

An autopsy report from New Zealand where the body of Mr Cook was later buried said the cause of death was the result of blunt force head injuries, consisting of one or more blows to the face causing Ned to fall and impact the back of his head. That impact caused a number of injuries including a skull fracture which in turn led to the acute bleeding, swelling and displacement of the brain.

What had happened?

The court was told  that on 15 May 2020, around 3 pm, Ned finished up his volunteer work at the local Catholic Church and headed to the Billfish Bar and Restaurant for a drink.

At one stage, he was heard arguing with the prisoner.

Witnesses told the court Maile had punched Ned without any provocation on Ned’s part.

“The punch was so forceful that he saw Ned’s whole body lifted about six inches off the ground.”

“The punch evidently rendered Ned unconscious before he hit the ground. Witnesses described how he fell without ever trying to break his fall. The back of his head hit the road. His arms were outstretched beside his body. Blood trickled onto the road.”

According to the Crown eye witnesses, Maile then ran off down the street.

Victim impact statements

The Crown provided statements from Ned’s widow and grandson in New Zealand.

She told of how Ned spent most of his life in New Zealand, working to improve the lives of vulnerable youth, addicts, those with mental health issues and offenders.

Upon his retirement, Ned wanted to ‘give back’ to his homeland of Tonga. And so, in a bitter twist of irony, he returned and committed himself to helping those in need here.

Tragically, Ned’s death closely followed the passing of his daughter in January 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

His passing was followed shortly after by his widow suffering a heart attack, the pain of which prevented her from being able to cry for her lost husband.

Her grief and pain continue, with the rest of her life now only a shadow of what it was meant to be.

Despite the natural depiction of sorrow and loss and acceptance of the punishment which must be meted, both statements were remarkably tempered by forgiveness and hope for the Defendant’s rehabilitation and future life.

New Covid-19 vaccination clinic in Ōtautahi booked out for 10 days

By
Sisi Latu
-

This story appears on RNZ.co.nz. RNZ reports are republished by Kaniva Tonga in partnership.

Demand is already running hot for Covid-19 vaccines at a clinic being run by Māori and Pasifika health providers in Ōtautahi.

People queuing for Covid-19 vaccine at Maui Clinic in Christchurch - opened on 28 July 2021

The clinic is one of 10 now open for business in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young

The Maui Clinic that opened today at Hornby Mall, is being run by Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi and Tangata Atumotu Trust.

Canterbury District Health Board has been identified as a laggard in making the vaccine available, but now there are 10 vaccine clinics open in the city.

Te Puawaitanga manager Alison Bourn was told it would take up to two weeks before they were fully booked.

“Within 24 hours of going live on the national booking system last week, we were fully booked for the first two days. And I had a quick look last night and we’re fully booked for about 10 days now. So I’m pleased that we’ve been able to meet the needs of the community.”

Meanwhile, a Samoan community leader involved in promoting take up of the vaccine in Ōtautahi, wanted to see a more proactive approach to encouraging Pasifika peoples to come in for their Covid-19 vaccinations.

The comments came after less than a quarter of those initially sent invitations for a mass vaccination rollout in Manukau, Auckland booked themselves a slot.

Samoan community leader Reverend Fitifiti Luatua said one approach could be taking buses out into the community.

“So they can open that [clinic] 24 seven, but if there’s no one to bring [in] the ones that are at home, that’s part of the difficulty. So I would see a vehicle that goes around…and nurses and doctors [can say] come in. People might be doing shopping, they can come in and get the injection.”

Reverend Luatua, who will soon appear on billboards in Ōtautahi promoting the vaccine, said it was up to leaders such as him to advocate for its use.

Tokyo Olympics rugby sevens: Fiji claim gold, as NZ settle for silver

By
Sisi Latu
-

This story appears on RNZ.co.nz. RNZ reports are republished by Kaniva Tonga in partnership.

Fiji have proved too strong for the New Zealand men’s sevens team at the Olympics, denying New Zealand its best chance yet of a gold medal.

Fiji's Napolioni Bolaca (L) hugs Vilimoni Botitu after winning the men's final rugby sevens match between New Zealand and Fiji during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on July 28, 2021. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

Photo: AFP or licensors

They prevailed 27-12 tonight, to win back-to-back Olympic titles. Fiji led 19-12 at half-time.

Argentina claimed the bronze with a 17-12 victory over Britain, sparking wild scenes of celebration, and plenty of tears, at the final whistle.

See how the day unfolded with RNZ’s live blog

But it was Fiji’s day as they ran in four tries to cap an excellent tournament. They put pressure on the All Black Sevens from the start with a deep kick and were rewarded when the tall Meli Derenalagi dived over in the corner.

Fiji were in again when Andrew Knewstubb failed to gather a kick into New Zealand’s in-goal area and the impressive Sireli Maqala dotted down the loose ball.

All Blacks captain Scott Curry then crossed for an unconverted try, but Fiji had fire in their bellies and Jiuta Wainiqolo, who was in tears at the anthems, beat two defenders with a rampaging run down the right wing side to score.

The All Blacks’ Sione Molia showed great leg-drive to power over the line after the halftime hooter, but Fiji dominated possession in the second period and Asaeli Tuivuaka crossed for the try that sealed the win.

In the bronze medal match, Ben Harris put Britain in front with an early score, but Argentina roared back as Lautaro Bazan Velez and the electric Marcos Moneta, one of the players of the tournament, ran in tries to give them a 12-5 lead at the break.

Ollie Lindsay-Hague levelled for Britain, though that joy was short-lived as Ignacio Mendy was put into acres of space for what proved the winning score with two minutes remaining.

The women’s Sevens competition starts on Thursday at the same venue and will conclude with the gold medal match on Saturday.

– Reuters

Third victim dies from injuries in Nuku‘alofa CBD house fire

By
Kaniva Staff
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Three people have died from the house fire on Salote Rd in Nuku’alofa early yesterday morning, Tuesday 27.

One person is currently still in hospital with injuries from the fire.

It is understood the third victim, who died this morning Wednesday 28, was one of the two elderly women who were rushed to Vaiola Hospital following the fire.

A total of seven people reported to have been in the house opposite the Nuku’alofa Central Police Station before it was engulfed with fire.

The big old white house was known to many as the Percival residence.

The cause of the fire is being investigated

MPI continues effort to control tomato disease

By
Sisi Latu
-

This story appears on RNZ.co.nz. RNZ reports are republished by Kaniva Tonga in partnership.

Authorities working to contain a tomato plant disease are hopeful exports can resume to some countries before the season starts in October.

No caption

Photo: Thomas Martinsen/ Unsplash

Last month the Ministry for Primary Industries stopped exports to six countries after Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) was found on plants here.

The countries – Australia, Thailand, Fiji, Tonga and New Caledonia – consider the disease a quarantine risk. The sixth country, Japan, is only partially closed, and is still taking fresh New Zealand tomatoes.

The disease can affect the yield of crops and delay fruit growth.

It was found on plants in an Auckland greenhouse in April.

MPI response controller David Yard said PepMV is now in four glasshouses and work was continuing to control the spread.

“The key efforts will be in preventing the spread between different operations between different greenhouse complexes, and particularly between indoor and outdoor tomato growing units.

“We will be looking at having on-farm biosecurity plans for individual operators. Those will include measures such as good hygiene around equipment, and properties, for example, keeping equipment sterilized, keeping records of peoples movements, around the farm and onto other properties.”

“We’ll also be looking at the cleaning of equipment that’s shared between businesses such as crates that they use to transport the fruit between firms and retail, Yard said.

He is hopeful the export ban to some countries will be lifted before the season starts in October.

“I think it’s important so the exports can continue to many markets, including our largest market for fresh tomatoes, which is Japan, which came in at about 43 percent of the 2020 volume.

“We’re going to have continued discussions with markets where restrictions remain, hopefully with the aim of reopening trade ahead of the export season in October,” he said.

“Discussions are ongoing, but we cannot give any guarantees because they’re on a case-by-case basis with each country.”

Yard said tomato growers who think their plants may have the disease should contact the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66.

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